Dear Siena Community,
This weekend, we will celebrate a historic first for our community as we gather for our Commencement ceremonies and recognize the first graduating classes of Siena University. This is a milestone that reflects our rising national reputation and our enduring commitment to providing a student-centered, values-based education.
The undergraduate Class of 2026 will also be the first to complete a new full circle tradition. Four years ago, these students were the first to be welcomed through the Bells of Remembrance and into the Grotto. On Saturday, they will complete that journey by gathering at the Grotto to process out through the Bells to receive a blessing from our friars and a commemorative gift. I invite you to join us at 4:30 p.m. in lining the walkway from the Grotto to the UHY Center for the Baccalaureate Liturgy to celebrate our graduates at this defining moment. On Saturday morning, we will celebrate our Master’s Ceremony, recognizing the achievements of students in our growing graduate community as they transition from advanced study into lives of leadership and specialized service.
This sense of completion is balanced by a strong outlook for our future. With National Decision Day behind us, Siena is positioned to meet our major freshman enrollment and revenue goals. Through May 1, we were just six students shy of our overall headcount goal and total revenue for the incoming class is trending slightly ahead of plan. We have seen increases in key areas, including resident students and students coming from outside the Capital Region. This success is a credit to our enrollment team and the many community members who served as ambassadors during this cycle.
To build on this trajectory, we are welcoming leaders who recognize the seamless connection between academic excellence and the vibrant student life that defines Siena. This Wednesday, Dr. Darren Conine begins his tenure as our inaugural Chief Experience Officer. He made it a priority to arrive in time for Commencement festivities to see the Siena experience in its most powerful form. Please join me in offering him a warm welcome. We also look toward a new chapter in our academic leadership as Dr. Margaret Madden retires and Dr. Chris Farnan ’93 prepares to assume the role of Interim Provost on June 1, with Dr. Joshua Alexander stepping into the position of Interim Dean of the School of Liberal Arts. Their leadership will be essential as we enter Siena’s bold next era, ensuring our faculty are empowered to equip students with both the AI skills employers demand and the essential humanity that will allow them to stand out in a rapidly changing world. I want to again thank the search committee and all community members who will be engaged in the national search to identify our next Provost.
The excellence we will celebrate this weekend was on full display during our recent Academic Showcase. More than 500 students presented original work, ranging from forensic genetics to systemic social issues. These projects are the result of the personal mentorship that defines Siena, led by our incredible faculty through the Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (CURCA). This is the Education for a Lifetime in action.
This intellectual curiosity is not an isolated pursuit; it is rooted in a tradition that is nurtured by every member of our community. We saw a beautiful example recently when generations of Saints came together to honor Fr. Dan Dwyer for his more than 40 years of service. Fr. Dan represents the intersection of our Franciscan and Liberal Arts traditions in a way that is truly special. He reminds us that while we adapt to a world of profound change, the human element of a Siena education remains our most powerful differentiator. This person-centered environment, sustained by the dedication of our entire workforce, is exactly what is being recognized and resonating with new students who seek meaning alongside their degree.
Earlier this month, our student-athletes showed us the power of resilience as both our men’s and women’s lacrosse programs reached their MAAC Championship games. The women’s team made a thrilling run as a No. 5 seed, while the men’s team demonstrated uncommon resolve in a season shaped by the profound loss of head coach Liam Gleason. Their courage and commitment have given the entire Siena community much to celebrate.
At the start of this academic year, I commented that the transition from college to university is more than a change in name. It is a recognition of our progress and our promise to the students we serve. I look forward to seeing you around campus during this busy final week and at MVP Arena as we send our graduates into the world.
That celebration of the Siena family continues later this month, as we welcome generations of Saints back home for Alumni Weekend, May 29-31. This gathering serves as a powerful reminder that while our graduates may leave campus, they never truly leave our community. Thank you for your hard work, your dedication, and for making this year such a remarkable chapter in our history.
Peace and all good,
Chuck